Clear
streams and overhanging bluffsThere's more to Noel than Christmas

Overhanging
bluffs and the Elk River greet visitors to Noel.

Locals pronounce
the name "No-ul" but that doesn't keep Noel from declaring itself "Christmas
City." Still, there's much more to this southwest Missouri town than the
garland that hangs year-round or the tens of thousands of Christmas
cards postmarked there each year.

For many, Noel's
true claim to fame is its three excellent float streams  the Elk River and its tributaries, Big
Sugar Creek and Indian
Creek.

Equally impressive
are the picturesque overhanging bluffs on the outskirts of town. The limestone
bluffs (one shown on our cover) are best seen along Highway 90 at the
edge of town and to the north along Highway 59 between Noel and Lanagan.

Located in MacDonald
county and situated less than 10 miles from both Arkansas and Oklahoma,
Noel is an out-of-the-way destination for most Missourians.

Once there, though,
you'll find beautiful scenery and traditional river lodges along clear-flowing
streams. There are also several commercial show caves nearby.

The town itself
has a step-back-in-time charm brought up to date with a south of the border
flavor, thanks to a strong Hispanic Community.